Paul Robinson heaps praise on West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone
Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has heaped praise on West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone, claiming he could be the player of the year.
Johnstone has kept three clean sheets in his last five matches for the Baggies. He was selected for an England call-up on Thursday due to an injury sustained by Jordan Pickford.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Show on Thursday [11:25am], Robinson lauded his fellow Englishman for his performances this season. He said: “He’s certainly been a busy boy this year but he’s made some outstanding saves as well.
“I think he’s probably been their player of the season, which is difficult to see when they could potentially get relegated.
“It’s all about concentration as a goalkeeper. You’ve got to be able to make that save in the first minute as well as the last minute.
“You pride yourself on clean sheets, as much as its the rest of the team’s responsibility as well as yours, goalkeepers are judged on clean sheets.”
Super Sam
Johnstone has been ever-present in the Premier League this season, playing in each of the Baggies 28 matches. He’s been very busy in the league for us, but it would be a different story with England.
With fixtures against San Marino, Albania and Poland, we can expect to have a lot of the ball and dominate the games. If he gets minutes, Johnstone wouldn’t be anywhere near as busy as he’s become accustomed to.
As Robinson mentioned, it’s all about concentration as a goalkeeper. He would have to focus whilst possibly going for long periods without being involved. As a shot-stopper, he is definitely good enough for a cap. He’s made 123 saves in the league this season so far [WyScout], we’d be a lot worse off without him.
Johnstone has been on an impressive run as of late. The Baggies have had a slight change in fortune and have begun to pick up some points. It’s crucial that this continues in the upcoming games with Chelsea, Southampton and Leicester if we’re to beat the drop.
In other West Brom news, this young midfielder has agreed terms on a scholarship contract with the club.